The Bodie pulpit, quotin' from a Psalm**, "Praise waiteth for thee O God in Zion," Hath me in mind of once hiking along Taylor Creek Trail — nature glorifyin'! ~ Camp Host Chad (**Psalm 65:1a, King James Version) More Zion: The Most Polite Park Zion Vacation Homestead
Poetry
Learn to Burn
You're going camping. You're making a list Of what to bring, so that nothing is missed. Bring matches? You should! And an axe? You could.*** Anything you should NOT bring? DON'T. BRING. WOOD. *** Two more campground rules we need to cover For all of our self-professed tree lovers: "Buy where you burn it." Don't … Continue reading Learn to Burn
Eye See You
Draw nigh, weary child, Find shelter, rest, shade. Let's muse on the wild, The places you've strayed. Summon up a stream, River, brook, creek, rill. They flow where they dream, Bring life where they spill. Evoke clouds, wind, light - Observers on high. Not earthbound. In flight! Bear witness; pass by. Tarry. Soon you'll go, … Continue reading Eye See You
Mollusk Monarch Mug Shots
Brad I the Banana Slug, First King of Fall Creek Ventured out to survey his dominion last week. Brad sped* to a vantage point. With great discerning, He carefully inspected all things concerning: Ferns ferning? Trees yearning? Trails turning? Creek churning? Check, check, check and check. But then, upon adjourning Someone** seized the slimy sovereign … Continue reading Mollusk Monarch Mug Shots
Reservation Reservations
New Year's came, went. Goals: Dreamt. Set. Pursued. Missed. Valentine's Day: Chocolate, eaten. Lips, kissed. In a hot second, Christmas will be here. Have you decided where to camp this year? I must be kidding? Wrong! Don't take a chance, Reserve your campsite six months in advance. High desert, by a lake, near the ocean … Continue reading Reservation Reservations
Campfire Tales Invitation
Come close. Join us! Warm up by the fire. We're telling tales. Like this pyre, "blowing smoke," With only trees and stars as witnesses. You go first. Wait, come back! That was a joke! ~ Camp Host Chad
Wednesday Words on the Wild: Nemophilist
Ne`moph´i`list: n. 1. One who is fond of forests or forest scenery; a haunter of the woods. ~ Webster's Dictionary There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but … Continue reading Wednesday Words on the Wild: Nemophilist
Wednesday Words on the Wild: Fireside
Continuing the contemplative tone begun last week of sitting by a fire (preferably under the stars) and reflecting on the past, present and the future, here are lyrics to a song from J.R.R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring: I sit beside the fire and think of all that I have seen of meadow-flowers and butterflies in summers that have … Continue reading Wednesday Words on the Wild: Fireside
The Fall of the Pioneer Cabin Tree
Long years into our California drought A wealth of rainstorms poured, bailing us out. We're so grateful, despite some casualties. Most publicized? Pioneer Cabin Tree. How it survived so long is the riddle. Could you last with a hole through your middle? Not me. And further, I would make a sound Even if no one heard me hit … Continue reading The Fall of the Pioneer Cabin Tree
Campfire Tales 